Bayberry
Morella pensylvanica
(formerly Myrica pensylvanica)

Other common names: Northern Bayberry

Other scientific names: Myrica pensylvanica

French names: Myrique de Pennsylvanie

Family: Bayberry Family (Myricaceae)

Distinctive features: Shrub; Leaves aromatic when crushed. Waxy berries.

Leaves: Alternate, Simple;  Aromatic when crushed. Alternate, simple.

Height: Up to 1 m (3 ft)

Fruit/Seeds: Waxy berries. Hard.

Habitat: Fields and Open Areas;  Open forests.

Books: Shrubs of Ontario: 91   

Native/Non-native: Native

Status: Rare in Ontario.

Origin and Meaning of Names:
 Scientific Name: pensylvanica: of Pennsylvania


For more information visit: Ontario Trees and Shrubs

Photographs: 73 photographs available, of which 10 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.

Bayberry (Morella pensylvanica)

Bayberry is very rare in Ontario. It is locally common elsewhere, such as the New Jersey Pine Barrens and Nova Scotia.

Bayberry (Morella pensylvanica)

A Bayberry bush.

Bayberry (Morella pensylvanica)

The top side of a leaf.

Bayberry (Morella pensylvanica)

The underside of a leaf. The leaves are tough.

Bayberry (Morella pensylvanica)

Typical arrangement of leaves.

Bayberry (Morella pensylvanica)

Bayberry (Morella pensylvanica)

Closeup of early berries. The bumps all over them are wax.

Bayberry (Morella pensylvanica)

More mature berries. The waxy aspect of the bumps is more evident now. Pioneer people made candles from the wax.

Bayberry (Morella pensylvanica)

Berries are strung out along the stems.

Bayberry (Morella pensylvanica)

Early berries again.

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